Youth Development / Education specialist trustee

The National Youth Orchestra

Youth Development / Education specialist trustee

Role description

The Board of Trustees (“the Board”) is the ultimate governing body of the charity. Working together as members of the Board, Trustees have control of NYO’s property and funds and are responsible for the determination of major strategic, financial and artistic policies; approval of the annual business plan and budget; appointment of the Chief Executive; approval of trustee appointments; and the framework of risk and internal control.

Key responsibilities

Governance & compliance

• Ensure NYO pursues its charitable purposes for public benefit and complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and relevant regulations. 
• Manage resources responsibly: protect assets, approve budgets and annual accounts, and oversee financial controls and reserves. 
• Ensure accountability and transparency, including fair, clear reporting in the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements. 
• Uphold the Charity Governance Code’s recommended practices for an effective board team and culture. 

Strategy, performance & risk

• Contribute to NYO’s strategy and monitor delivery against objectives; scrutinise performance information and challenge constructively. 
• Identify and manage principal risks; satisfy yourself that systems exist to mitigate them. 

 Conduct & conflicts

• Adhere to board ways of working and the Trustee Code of Conduct. Participate in annual board evaluations and training.
• Handle information in accordance with NYO’s data protection and confidentiality policies.
• Declare and manage conflicts of interest and related‑party matters, completing annual declarations and updating the register as needed.

 Safeguarding, EDI and culture

• Promote a safeguarding culture; complete annual training; and monitor safeguarding information at board level.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, including accessible meetings and recruitment practices consistent with the Charity Governance Code. 

Engagement & fundraising

• Play an active role in developing NYO’s networks. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, sponsors, and partners. 
• Support fundraising initiatives and help open doors through your networks.

Person Specification

All trustees are expected to demonstrate the following:

• Commitment to NYO’s mission and values, including youth voice.
• Strategic vision and the ability to scrutinise performance information and financial reports.
• Willingness to constructively challenge and devote the necessary time and effort.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Readiness to maintain confidentiality and manage conflicts.
• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind.
• Inclusive behaviours and a commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Commitment to the Nolan principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Additionally, for this specialist trustee role, we are seeking an individual who can demonstrate: 

• Strong understanding of teenage development and the role that arts and education can play in supporting young people to build confidence, independence, skills and connection with others.
• Experience in secondary education, youth-focused arts organisations, youth services, or programmes within the music education sector (or a closely related field).
• Sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in youth work, including within residential and large-scale project settings, and the ability to contribute to board-level safeguarding culture and oversight.
• Knowledge of secondary education policy and networks.
• Commitment to youth voice and a belief that adolescence should be a time of discovery and optimism.
• Ability to think strategically about participation and progression, including what helps young people take next steps when they find something they love.

 Time commitment

• Attend quarterly Board meetings and ad hoc/standing committee meetings as required
• Attend a board away day every 1-2 years
• Visit at least one NYO residency or project a year and attend key donor events (3-4 evenings per year)
• Participate in induction sessions and attend annual safeguarding training.

Quarterly board meetings usually take place on weekday afternoons (forthcoming: 14 May, 8 July, 22 October 2026 at 3.00 – 5.30pm)

Term of office

• Four‑year term, renewable once on invitation from the Chair.

Remuneration & expenses

• The role is unpaid; reasonable expenses (e.g., travel) are reimbursed.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.